WRITING SMART OBJECTIVES AND
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (I.E.,
ANTICIPATED RESULTS)
Presenter:
Dr. Laura R. Dawson
Executive Vice President/COO
The Dawson Group of VA, Inc.
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What is a SMART Objective?
A MANAGEMENT TOOL to improve. . .
 Organizational outcomes
 Individual performance of managers
 Collective performance of managers
Note: “ SMART Objectives” grew out of the Management by
Objectives (MBO) movement which is based on Peter Drucker’s 1954
book, The Practice of Management.
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WHAT
IS A
SMART OBJECTIVE?
A written statement of an intended outcome
that is. . .





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Specific: Concrete - Succinct - Straight Forward
Measurable: Quantified Observable Results
Achievable: Attainable
Realistic: Relevant and Makes Sense
Timely: Appropriate Completion Date
ANALYZING THE MEANING OF A “GOOD SMART OBJECTIVE”

SPECIFIC
- Each objective should identify only one
significant outcome.
- Each objective should take the form of a
single clearly written statement.
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ANALYZING THE MEANING OF A “GOOD SMART OBJECTIVE”

MEASURABLE
- Quantified Outcome
Each objective should contain a quantified
projected outcome (i.e., stated in numerical
terms).
- Quantified Baseline Data
Each objective should show related baseline data
(usually beneath the objective) against which the
projected outcome will be measured or compared
for success.
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ANALYZING
THE
MEANING

OF A
“GOOD SMART OBJECTIVE”
ACHIEVABLE
- Objective can be fully accomplished given
the conditions and available resources that
will impact implementation.
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ANALYZING
THE
MEANING

OF A
“GOOD SMART OBJECTIVE”
REALISTIC
Objective is relevant and makes sense given
institutional mission, strategic plans,
resources, environmental considerations,
etc.
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ANALYZING
THE
MEANING
OF A
“GOOD SMART OBJECTIVE”
 TIMELY
Specify the date (month/day/year) that the
objective (i.e., quantified outcome) will be
fully implemented.
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SOME SMART OBJECTIVES CONTAIN. . . .

RESPONSIBILITY (Optional)
The name of the person or unit that is
responsible for implementing the objective
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A
WELL WRITTEN

SMART OBJECTIVE
ALSO CONTAINS.
Performance Indicators
(i.e., Anticipated Results)
- A performance indicator identifies key
milestones, dates, and documentation of
progress towards implementing the
objective.
- Each performance indicator should take
the form of a single statement.
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..
A PERFORMANCE INDICATOR (I.E., ANTICIPATED RESULT). . .
1. A statement that specifies a quantified, observable, and
documented measure or unit of progress (i.e., a major
milestone) to be achieved (quarterly, annually, etc.) to
substantiate full objective implementation or significant
progress towards objective implementation.
* DOCUMENTATION IS ESSENTIAL!!!
Always have appropriate documentation for activity
objectives and performance indicators readily available.
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WRITING SMART OBJECTIVES & ANTICIPATED RESULTS
CAN WE TALK????
What’s wrong with these objectives?
1. School of Business faculty will become knowledgeable
about AACSB accreditation standards.
2. To update Teacher Education curriculum to reflect CASE
standards.
3. To install new hardwood flooring in the Jordan Gymnasium.
4. To purchase and install 35 new computers in the PRAXIS
Lab.
5. To purchase and install new administrative accounting
software.
6. Teacher Education faculty will attend two (2) professional
development conferences annually.
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7. Construct four new sets for the student-run TV station.
WRITING SMART OBJECTIVES & ANTICIPATED RESULTS
EXERCISES
AND
GROUP SHARING
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